The definition of a Christian is "someone who follows the teachings of Jesus." It's 100% true, but it frequently gets twisted around. Some people will see the word "teachings" and automatically think of rules. And when they think of rules, they think strict. But Jesus doesn't just want us to follow a set of rules, He wants a relationship.
He wants a connection with us. Think of it this way - there are certain things you would and wouldn't do if you have a relationship with somebody because of respect, love, and what you share with each other.
All who receive Him are called children of God (John 1). He is a father and He is also a teacher. But He is not that teacher whose class you dread going to. He is the teacher that gives you bonus points on the test, the teacher that gives you extra credit every semester and bumps your average up, and the teacher that gives you a million second chances when you should be failing the course. He doesn't count our sins and give us a grade, instead, he takes our sins and washes them away.
When we think of Jesus, He doesn't want us to think of a set of rules we have to follow in order to get to heaven, where we absolutely cannot do this and that or else; He wants us to think of the light of the world that selfishly supplies us with unending grace.
It's not just a set of rules, it's a relationship.